¡°The kinds of pollution the folks in this study were exposed to was everything from cars, to coal plants, to farms, to many other sources.¡±

Records of about 390,000 7participants from the U.K. were examined, and during the study period, more than 13,000 were diagnosed with depression, and more than 15,000 were diagnosed with anxiety. Researchers found those who lived in areas with higher pollution levels were at higher risk for depression or anxiety.

¡°They had between an 8 and 17% higher risk of depression, and a 9 to 14% increase risk or anxiety. It¡¯s not exactly known why pollution might have this link to anxiety and depression, but when you think about it pollution can damage your lungs, it can damage your heart, so it makes sense that it¡¯s possible that it could also damage your brain and your 8neurological system.¡±